Table 2 Types of assistive technology
From: Carers’ experiences of assistive technology use in dementia care: a cross sectional survey
Type of assistive technology in use | N (% of participants) | AT no longer in use N (% of participants) |
|---|---|---|
Assistive robot(s) | 1 (0.5%) | |
Flood detector | 2 (1.0%) | |
Robotic pet(s) | 2 (1.0%) | |
Satnav in car | 2 (1.0%) | |
Bath lift | 2 (1.0%) | |
Electric toothbrush | 3 (1.5%) | |
Stair lift | 4 (2.0%) | |
Digital photo frame | 4 (2.0%) | |
Hoists | 5 (2.5%) | |
Electronic mattress | 5 (2.5%) | |
Automatic gas switch-off device | 7 (3.0%) | 2 (2.4%) |
Stove timer | 7 (3.0%) | |
CCTV | 8 (4.0%) | 1 (1.2%) |
Baby monitors | 11 (5.5%) | 1 (1.2%) |
Riser recliner chair | 11 (5.5%) | |
Cooker alarm | 12 (6.0%) | 5 (5.9%) |
Bed occupancy sensor | 13 (6.5%) | 1 (2.4%) |
Electronic medicine dispensers | 13 (6.5%) | 8 (9.4%) |
Electronic reminders | 13 (6.5%) | 2 (2.4%) |
Electronic tracking device | 14 (7.0%) | 12 (14.1%) |
Object locator | 14 (7.0%) | |
Picture button telephone | 15 (7.5%) | |
Smartwatch | 15 (7.5) | 1 (1.2%) |
Movement detectors/sensors | 16 (8.0%) | 4 (4.7%) |
Audio books | 20 (10.0%) | 22 (25.9%) |
Voice-controlled personal assistant such as Alexa or Siri | 21 (10.5%) | 3 (3.5%) |
Web camera | 21 (10.5%) | 2 (2.4%) |
Smart lights | 22 (11.0%) | |
Smart plugs | 27 (13.5%) | |
Door alarm | 28 (14.0%) | 2 (2.4%) |
Electric bed | 28 (14.0%) | 1 (1.2%) |
Falls alarm | 31 (15.5%) | 6 (7.1%) |
Automatic night lamp | 32 (16.0%) | 1 (1.2%) |
GPS tracking device | 33 (16.5%) | 7 (8.2%) |
Large button telephone | 37 (18.5%) | 8 (9.4%) |
Memory clock | 42 (21.0%) | 7 (8.2%) |
Computer/Laptop | 52 (26.0%) | 10 (11.8%) |
Smart gas and electricity meter | 56 (28.0%) | 2 (2.4%) |
Pendant alarm | 66 (33.0%) | 35 (41.2%) |
Electronic day, date and time clock (Dementia clock) | 82 (41.0%) | 9 (10.6%) |
Video communication systems such as Skype or FaceTime | 89 (44.5%) | 3 (3.5%) |
Tablet computer | 90 (45.0%) | 7 (8.2%) |
Smartphone | 91 (45.5%) | 20 (23.5%) |
Use of Assistive Technology | N | |
Managing day to day spending | 8 (4.0%) | |
Everyday activities such as eating, washing, dressing, toileting | 17 (8.5%) | |
Outdoor mobility | 24 (12.0%) | |
Managing finances | 24 (12.0%) | |
Indoor mobility | 25 (12.5%) | |
Reducing effort when you care for someone with dementia | 60 (30.0%) | |
Leisure | 93 (46.5%) | |
Memory or reminders | 125 (62.5%) | |
Communication | 132 (66.0%) | |
Safety | 157 (78.5%) | |
Reason why Assistive Technology is no longer in use: | ||
Ethical reasons | 3 (3.5%) | |
The assistive technology is no longer working | 5 (5.9%) | |
I or a family member support the person with dementia | 11 (12.9%) | |
Removed assistive technology as person with dementia no longer wanted it | 14 (16.5%) | |
Formal/paid carers support the person with dementia | 15 (17.6%) | |
The assistive technology device has been replaced by a better device | 16 (18.8%) | |
The person with dementia is no longer able to use it | 69 (81.2%) | |